Mysterious Beauty from Salona

Split has its glorious history and heritage, but in its closest vicinity, in Solin there are many important remains dating back to the Roman Empire. It's enough to mention Salona, capital of Roman province Dalmatia, and important city of 50-60 thousand people. Its remains are a little bit neglected with all other historical attractions that can be seen in this part of Croatia, but it sure deserves all the attention. Seeing such well-preserved remains of some big Roman city is not really common anywhere in the world. That goes especially for early Christian findings in Salona.

However, there are still so many secrets to be revealed in and about Salona, because surrounding houses were usually built on ground where ancient Romans used to live. Thus, nobody really knows what is still hidden underground. Only when some works begin, forgotten stone-written stories about the city and its citizens emerge. It's almost impossible even to scratch beneath the surface, and not to find valuable artefacts. The latest example was recorded exclusively by the local newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija, and it might be really sensational. Photo we publish is from this Split-based newspaper. On route of future gas pipeline - besides many other findings like columns, walls, pottery, etc. - a beautiful stone head had been found, depicting unknown woman. Archaeologists believe it might be dated back to late 2nd or early 3rd century, meaning it's at least 100 years older than Diocletian's Palace. Another suggestion is that bust was part of some temple. Researches continue, and pipeline will be put on hold, especially if claims made by one of the biggest Croatian archaeology authorities Nenad Cambi will be proven true. Ha said to the same newspaper that this mysterious Salona woman might be no other but Faustina the Younger, empress and wife of emperor Marcus Aurelius. If that's true, Cambi believes a statue of this emperor might be found, as well as their temple. That would be true sensation, but we should be patient.

Unfortunately, most of artefacts found on this construction site will need to be removed. Comforting part is that this head and many other findings will have its place in the Archaeological Museum in Split.